System and method for interactive appliance control

ABSTRACT

A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

BACKGROUND

Universal controlling devices, that is, for example, remote controlswhich are adaptable to issue commands to a multiplicity of appliances ofdifferent type and/or manufacture, and the features and functionalityprovided by such controlling devices are well known in the art. Suchcontrolling devices may be “learners” that is, adapted to capture,store, and subsequently play back the command signals of the originalequipment remote controls corresponding to the appliances to becontrolled, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,887; orthey may include preprogrammed libraries of command codes, for example,as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,511 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,810.

For commanding the operation of multiple appliances using a singleuniversal controlling device, a conventional controlling devicetypically comprises multiple device mode states. In each device modestate, the universal controlling device is configured to command theoperation of one or more designated appliances. By way of example, atypical universal remote control may be placed into one of the multipledevice mode states through actuation of a corresponding device mode key.The actuation of such a device mode key functions to configure theuniversal remote control to transmit command codes to the one or moreappliances that have been designated to the device mode statecorresponding to the actuated device mode key.

By way of further example, a simple universal remote control may includedevice mode selection keys labeled “TV,” “DVD,” “CBL,” and “Audio.” Whenthe TV device mode key is actuated, the remote control may be placedinto a “TV” device mode state wherein it is configured to transmitcommands to a TV device in response to key activations (e.g., activationof a channel up/down key causes a transmission of a channel up/downcommand recognizable by the TV), when the CBL device mode key isactuated the remote control may be placed into a “CBL” device mode statewherein it is configured to transmit commands to a cable set top boxdevice in response to key activations (e.g., activation of the samechannel up/down key causes a transmission of a channel up/down commandrecognizable by the cable set top box), and so on. It will beappreciated that for the sake of user convenience each of these devicemode states may, however, incorporate certain keys adapted to transmitcommands to a device other than the primary device of that device modestate, e.g., the controlling device may be configured such that, forexample when in the CBL device mode state, the volume keys may continueto transmit commands in a format appropriate for a given TV or Audiodevice, etc.

One drawback of such an arrangement is that is incumbent upon the userof the controlling device to be aware of, and if necessary reselect, anappropriate device mode state prior to issuing operating commands toeach of the controlled appliances. All too frequently users may forgetor overlook this step, resulting in an unintended action being performedby the wrong device.

A further shortcoming of such controlling devices is that user inputelements, for example keys on a universal remote control, may initiatedifferent command functions in different device modes. For example, auser input element which initiates a program guide display when in the“CBL” device mode may initiate a setup/configuration menu when in the“TV” device mode. Additionally, even though a user of the controllingdevice may only require a limited set of functions during normal viewingactivities, a typical universal controlling device is equipped withsufficient user input elements to support all required functions, eventhose that that are used infrequently and/or only at certain stages(e.g., selection of programming source during preparation for viewing.)The prevalence of such key clutter is yet another source of userconfusion. To alleviate this confusion various methods/configurationhave been used in the art, for example, e.g., color-coding keys,grouping seldom used input elements under a cover or lid, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a controlling device which interactsdynamically with a controlled appliance, preferably one through whichsource media input switching is performed (i.e., a “master appliance”).Based upon a knowledge of which source is currently selected as themedia input and the operational status of the master appliance itselfand other connected appliances, the master appliance may conveyinformation to the controlling device indicative of a desired devicemode state and in some embodiments, of what functions from the internallibrary of command codes of the controlling device are to be assigned tovarious user input elements on the controlling device. Further, themaster appliance may cause a graphical representation of thecurrently-assigned input element functionality to be displayed on aconnected display, e.g. a television screen, particularly in the eventthat the master appliance itself does not include a display device. Inthis manner, a simplified controlling device may be provided with areduced number of input elements which are dynamically assignedappropriate functionality and device mode states according to theoperational context of the equipment to be controlled.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, propertiesand relationships of the invention will be obtained from the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings which set forthillustrative embodiments and which are indicative of the various ways inwhich the principles of the invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention,reference may be had to a preferred embodiments shown in the attacheddrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which an exemplary controllingdevice and master appliance according to the instant invention may beused;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary components of theexemplary controlling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary system of FIG. 1 in which a cable STBis selected as an audio/visual (A/V) source device;

FIG. 4 illustrates in flow chart form exemplary actions of an exemplarymaster appliance operating according to the teachings of the instantinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary system of FIG. 1 in which a DVD playerthat is not currently powered on is selected as the A/V source device;

FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary system of FIG. 5 after the DVD playerhas been successfully powered up; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary numbering scheme for use in assigningcommand functions to keys of a controlling device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes a system and methods for dynamically configuringa controlling device such as a universal remote control to command oneor more functions of one or more types of appliances. By way of example,FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system wherein a controlling device 100supplied together with an audio/visual (A/V) receiver device 102 may beused to command functions of various appliances that are incommunication with the A/V receiver 102, such as by providing inputand/or by receiving output, illustrated as a TV set 104, a cable STB106, a PVR 108 and a DVD player 110. The A/V outputs 116 of appliances106 thru 110 are routed through A/V receiver 102. The video signal 118currently being delivered to TV 104 is selected by A/V receiver 102 fromthe available sources 116. (For clarity, other connections, e.g., A/Vinputs to the PVR, audio signal routing to speakers, etc. are notshown.) While illustrated in the context of an A/V receiver 102, atelevision 104, a STB 106, a PVR 108 and a DVD player 110, it is to beunderstood that controllable appliances may include, but are not limitedto, televisions, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, cable or satellite converterset-top boxes (“STBs”), amplifiers, CD players, game consoles, homelighting, drapery, fans, HVAC systems, thermostats, personal computers,etc. It will also be appreciated that, while in the illustrativeembodiment the A/V receiver 102 is configured to function as theaforementioned master appliance, in alternative embodiments thisfunction may be equally well performed by any other appliance,preferably one equipped with A/V switching capability such as forexample an advanced cable or satellite set top box or combo DVR, apersonal computer, etc. Accordingly, it is contemplated that in certaininstances any of the television 104, STB 106, PVR 108 or DVD player 110could also function as the master appliance.

In the embodiment illustrated, controlling device 100 communicates withA/V receiver 102 via a two-way radio frequency (RF) link 112 and withother appliances to be controlled (104, 106, 108, 110) via aunidirectional infrared (IR) link 114, however, as is known in the artcontrolling device 100 may be capable of communicating with theappliances using any convenient IR, RF, point-to-point, or networkedprotocol to cause the appliances to perform operational functions,provided the control protocols and command values to be used incommunicating with a desired appliance are known to the operationalsoftware of controlling device 100.

With reference to FIG. 2, for use in commanding the functionaloperations of one or more appliances, the controlling devices 100 mayinclude, as needed for a particular application, a processor 200 coupledto a ROM memory 204, a RAM memory 202, a key matrix 212 (e.g., hardkeys, soft keys such as a touch sensitive surface overlaid on a liquidcrystal (LCD) or an electroluminescent (EL) display, or some combinationthereof), transmission circuit(s) 208 and/or transceiver circuit(s) 222(e.g., IR and/or RF), a non-volatile read/write memory 206, a means 214to provide feedback to the user (e.g., one or more LEDs, LCD display,speaker, and/or the like), a power source 210, an input/output port 216such as a serial interface, modem, USB port, etc., a motion or touchsensor 224 to detect when controlling device 100 is being handled by auser, and clock and timer logic 220 with associated crystal or resonator218.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, some or all of thememories 202, 204, 206 may include executable instructions(collectively, the program memory) that are intended to be executed bythe processor 200 to control the operation of the remote control 100, aswell as data that serves to define the aforementioned control protocolsand command values to the operational software (collectively, thecommand data). In this manner, the processor 200 may be programmed tocontrol the various electronic components within the remote control 100,e.g., to monitor the power supply 210, to cause the transmission ofsignals, control visual feedback device(s) 214, etc. All or part of thenon-volatile read/write memory 206, for example an EEPROM,battery-backed up RAM, FLASH, Smart Card, memory stick, or the like, mayadditionally be used to store setup data and parameters as necessary.While the memory 204 is illustrated and described as a ROM memory,memory 204 may also be comprised of any type of readable media, such asROM, FLASH, EEPROM, or the like. Preferably, the memories 204 and 206are non-volatile or battery-backed such that data is not required to bereloaded after battery changes. In addition, the memories 202, 204 and206 may take the form of a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, anoptical disk, and/or the like. Still further, it will be appreciatedthat some or all of the illustrated memory devices may be physicallyincorporated within the same IC chip as the microprocessor 200 (a socalled “microcontroller”) and, as such, they are shown separately inFIG. 2 only for the sake of clarity.

To cause the controlling device 100 to perform an action, controllingdevice 100 is adapted to be responsive to events, such as a sensed userinteraction with the key matrix 212, activation of motion or touchsensor 224, etc. In response to an event, appropriate instructionswithin the program memory (hereafter the “operating program”) may beexecuted. For example, when a function key is actuated on thecontrolling device 100, the controlling device 100 may retrieve from thecommand data the command value and control protocol currently assignedto the actuated function key and the currently assigned device mode,from memory 202, 204, and/or 206, and transmit the command to anintended target appliance, e.g., the STB 106, in a format recognizableby the intended target appliance.

For selecting a set of command data to be associated with an applianceto be controlled, data may be entered into the controlling device 100that serves to identify an intended target appliance by its type andmake (and sometimes model). Such data allows the controlling device 100to identify the appropriate command data within a preprogrammed libraryof command data that is to be used to transmit recognizable commands ina format appropriate for such identified appliances. Since methods forsetting up a controlling device to command the operation of specifichome appliances are well-known, such methods need not be described ingreater detail herein. Nevertheless, for additional informationpertaining to setup procedures, the reader may turn, for example, toU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,614,906, and 6,225,938 which describeself-contained setup of controlling devices, U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 09/804,623 and 09/615,473 which describe setup of controllingdevices by interaction with a Web site, or U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/515,962 which describes setup of a controlling device byinteracting with an appliance such as, for example, a set top box. Itwill also be appreciated that the controlling device 100 may be set upto command operations of an appliance 102, 104, or 106 by being taughtthe command codes needed to command such appliance as described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,623,887. Still further, it will be understood that commanddata may be pre-stored in the controlling device 100 or the controllingdevice 100 may be upgradeable, for example, via use of external inputport 216 as described for example in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.4,959,810.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated the system of FIG. 1 inwhich cable STB 106 has been selected by the user as the current inputsource of A/V content to A/V receiver 102. (For the sake of clarity,non-participating appliances 108 and 110 are not shown in this view.) Aswill be explained in further detail in conjunction with the flowchart ofFIG. 4, selection of cable STB 106 as the current source for A/Vreceiver 102 causes A/V receiver 102, acting as the master appliance, toconfigure controlling device 100 via RF link 112 to issue key commandsvia IR link 114 in a format recognizable by cable STB 106. A/V receiver102 also causes a visual representation 302 of the current key functionassignments just communicated to controlling device 100 to besuperimposed on the signal being provided to TV 104 via video outputconnection 118. It is to be understood that the terms “key” or “keyfunction” as used in this context and within this document are intendedto broadly encompass controlling device user input elements in general,including without limitation physical buttons, touch screen icons,scroll wheels, motion or gesture sensors, pressure sensitive devices,voice recognition elements, etc.

It will be appreciated that the functionality of certain keys ofcontrolling device 100 may not be changed during this process: forexample volume adjustment key(s) 304 may continue to issue commandsdirected to A/V receiver 102. Alternatively, alternative appliancefunctions may be assigned to certain keys by the master appliance, forexample keys 304 may be assigned to transmit TV volume adjustmentcommands when the cable STB is selected as the current input as shown tothe user within the display as keys 304′. In certain embodiments, suchassignments may be dynamic: for example when A/V receiver 102 detectsthat the incoming audio signal from cable STB 106 is Dolby 5.1 encodedit may route the audio output through its surround sound speaker systemand when the incoming audio signal is determined to be simple 2-channelstereo A/V receiver 102 may instead route the audio output to TV 104 tobe rendered by its internal speakers, while dynamically assigning theintended recipient of volume control commands to be transmitted by thecontrolling device 100 to match this routing. Further, controllingdevice 100 may also include a “home” key 120 which is always availableto communicate a signal to the master appliance to request that keyfunction assignments be restored to state whereby commands to be issuedfrom the controlling device 100 would be appropriate for the masterappliance, e.g., in order to select a different appliance as the input,adjust sound field settings, etc.

In order to efficiently convey key function configuration informationfrom a master appliance 102 to a controlling device 100, a commonfunction and device type reference numbering scheme may be established.Any convenient system may be used including without limitation thatdescribed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,781,518 entitled “DigitalInterconnect of Entertainment Equipment,” which patent is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. When combined with a mutuallyunderstood numbering scheme for the buttons or other input elements of acontrolling device 100, each key function assignment may be compactlyexpressed in the form: Button number: Device type number: Functionnumber. By way of example, in the system of the above referenced U.S.Pat. No. 6,781,518, a TV appliance is assigned type category 00, and thevolume down function is assigned function number 03. An exemplary keynumbering scheme 702 which may be applied to controlling device 100 isillustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, using these exemplary values, in order toassign to key 704, corresponding to referenced key number five, a TVvolume down function, i.e., to configure the controlling device to issuea volume down command in a format recognizable by the TV in response toactuation of referenced key number 5, the assignment string provided tothe controlling device 100 might be “05:00:03”. It will be appreciatedthat in order to perform multiple key function assignments, several suchstrings may be concatenated together and transmitted to a controllingdevice 100 from the master device as a block of data, using anyconvenient communication protocol, encoding, and modulation scheme asare well known in the art. In an illustrative embodiment, this keyassignment data may be transmitted to the controlling device only whenchanges are made to the assignments by the master appliance. Thereceived assignments may thus be stored within a controlling devicewhich may continue to use these values for the processing of allsubsequent key press activity until an updated assignment is received.It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements may be used asappropriate for a particular embodiment, for example key assignments maybe transmitted to a controlling device every time it becomes active (asdescribed hereafter in conjunction with FIG. 4), may be refreshed afterevery keystroke or at fixed time intervals, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 4, when an input selection request 402 is detectedby A/V receiver 102, it being understood that such a request mayoriginate from controlling device 100 or elsewhere, for example fromfront panel controls of A/V receiver 102 itself, from other controllingdevices, etc., at step 404 the receiver's current input source isswitched to the requested device. At step 406, the device and keyfunction assignments to be transmitted to controlling device 100 areconfigured to match the newly-selected input device and a representationof the controlling device 100 (e.g., displayed controlling devicerepresentation 302) is prepared for superimposition on video output 118to a display, e.g., TV 104. It is then determined at step 408 whetherthe controlling device 100 is currently active. If not, i.e., the inputselection request did not originate from the controlling device 100, aflag is set at step 410 which will serve to indicate that an updatedappliance selection and set of key function assignments need to beprovided to the controlling device the next time it becomes active, andA/V receiver 102 returns to wait mode, pending the next activity. If,however, the input selection request did originate from the controllingdevice 100, i.e., the controlling device 100 is active, the newappliance selection and key function assignments may be transmitted tothe controlling device at step 412. Next, at step 414 the A/V receiverchecks if a signal is detected from the selected source device. If nosignal is detected, at step 416 a user prompt to power on the selectedappliance may be displayed as further described hereafter in conjunctionwith FIG. 5.

Once a valid input signal from the selected source device has beenverified, at step 418 the selected key layout display (e.g., displayedcontrolling device representation 302) is superimposed on the videooutput signal to TV 104, indicating to the user which appliancefunctions are currently assigned to each key of controlling device 100.The indicating can be in the form of labels/icons which depict thefunction to be controlled and which may further specifically indicate adevice that is to perform the function when a key is activated.Thereafter at steps 420,422 A/V receiver waits for an action to bereceived from the controlling device. In this context, it should beunderstood that in the embodiment described, whenever the user activatesa key on controlling device 100, this will cause both a transmission 114of an IR code appropriate for a designated appliance (e.g., appliance106) which has been assigned to the activated key in the currentcontrolling device configuration as well as an RF transmission 112 tothe master appliance (e.g., appliance 102) indicating which key (e.g.,key 1-18 of controlling device 702) has been pressed. In this manner,the master appliance may monitor controlling device activity, determineif alternate functionality is being requested, adjust and redisplayassigned key functions 302 based on commands being issued, e.g.,substituting navigation keys for numeric pad functions when an appliance“menu” command is issued, issue a transmission to the controlling device100 to reconfigure the controlling device 100, etc. If no activity isdetected for ten seconds (or such other timeout as may be appropriate),the controlling device active flag may be cleared (step 424), theon-screen overlay display faded out (step 426) and A/V receiver 102 mayreturn to wait mode, pending the next activity. If a transmission isreceived from controlling device 100 within the timeout period, it isfirst examined to determine if it represents activation of a “home” key(step 428) or an input selection key (step 430): if neither, any otherindicated processing or actions required are performed at step 432 andthereafter A/V receiver waits for a further action to occur.

If it is determined that the “home” key 120 has been activated, the A/Vreceiver may reconfigure the on screen display overlay to represent itsown key assignments (step 432) while also transmitting a null IRfunction configuration to controlling device 100, e.g., to preventinadvertent operation of other appliances while the keys of thecontrolling device 100 are being used to command operation of the masterappliance 102. A/V receiver 102 then waits to receive key activity aspreviously described. If it is determined at step 430 that an inputselection key has been activated, this request is processed as a newinput selection request as described above starting at step 404.

As a user first interacts with a quiescent controlling device, e.g. bypicking it up or touching it, this may be detected by a motion or touchsensor 224 incorporated into the device and cause an “active” signal tobe transmitted to the master appliance 102. When such a signal isreceived by the A/V receiver 102 at step 440, a “device active” flag maybe set at step 442 (for subsequent checking at step 408). Thereafter,the “source appliance changed” flag may be checked at step 444. If thesource appliance has not been changed since the previous interactionbetween A/V receiver 102 and controlling device 100, processingcontinues at step 414. If however, the source appliance has been changedin the interim, the flag is cleared at step 446 and processing continuesat step 412, e.g., to cause the a new set of appliance function keyassignments to be transmitted to controlling device 100. In either casehowever, user interaction with a quiescent controlling device willresult in a re-display of the present key function assignments, thusconfirming to the user what appliance commands will be issued uponactivation of the various keys of the controlling device.

In certain embodiments appliance operational status may be checked bythe master appliance when an appliance is selected as the current sourceand/or when the controlling device reports itself to be in an activestate. Turning now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated the system of FIG. 1in which DVD player 110 has been selected by the user as the currentinput source of A/V content to A/V receiver 102. (Once again, for thesake of clarity, non-participating appliances not shown in this view.)If A/V receiver 102 detects that DVD player 110 is not currently poweredon (e.g., by sensing the absence of a signal at step 414 of FIG. 4) theA/V receiver 102 may cause a special reminder display 502 to besuperimposed on the video signal being delivered to TV set 104. Thisdisplay may, for example, consist of an emphasized power key graphic 504together with a message reminding the user to power on the selectedappliance—it being appreciated that the A/V receiver has issued anyappropriate transmissions to the controlling device 100 to allow thisaction to be performed via use of the controlling device as well asmanually via interaction with the appropriate appliance itself. It willbe appreciated that while illustrated in terms of a power state, anyother detectable state may also form the basis for such a reminderfunction, e.g., a requirement to press “play,” bring up a list ofrecorded content on a DVR, etc. It will be further appreciated that incases where an appliance is capable of reporting other status to themaster appliance, additional reminders may also be available, e.g.“insert disc,” “subscription expired,” etc. As illustrated in FIG. 6,once A/V receiver 102 detects that the user has performed the requestedaction, the reminder display may be replaced by the normal key functiondisplay overlay 602.

While various concepts have been described in detail, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications andalternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of theoverall teachings of the disclosure. For example, while described in thecontext of a hand-held controlling device such as a universal remotecontrol, it will be appreciated that the control functionality describedherein may be embedded in other portable devices such as cellularphones, PDAs, Web Tablets, personal communication devices, etc., allwithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

While presented in terms of functional modules and illustrated usingblock diagram format, it is to be understood that, unless otherwisestated to the contrary, one or more of the described functions and/orfeatures may be integrated in a single physical device and/or a softwaremodule, or one or more functions and/or features may be implemented inseparate physical devices or software modules. It will also beappreciated that a detailed discussion of the actual implementation ofeach module is not necessary for an enabling understanding of theinvention. Rather, the actual implementation of such modules would bewell within the routine skill of an engineer, given the disclosureherein of the attributes, functionality, and inter-relationship of thevarious functional modules in the system. Therefore, a person skilled inthe art, applying ordinary skill, will be able to practice the inventionset forth in the claims without undue experimentation. It will beadditionally appreciated that the particular concepts disclosed aremeant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any equivalents thereof.

All patents cited within this document are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

1. A method for providing interactive appliance control in a systemcomprised of a master device, a plurality of devices in communicationwith the master device including a display device, and a controllingdevice configurable to transmit commands to one or more of the pluralityof devices, the method comprising: using the master device to determinea state of the system; causing the master device to transmit to thecontrolling device a message having data indicative of the state of thesystem as determined by the master device; using the data indicative ofthe state of the system as determined by the master device toautomatically configure the controlling device to transmit commandsdirectly to a select one or more of the plurality of appliances inresponse to activations of input elements of the controlling device; andcausing the master device to display on the display device arepresentation of the input elements of the controlling device tothereby provide a visual indication of commands that will transmittedfrom the controlling device in response to activations of input elementsof the controlling device.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe master device comprises an appliance having audio/visual inputs, atleast a subset of the plurality of devices are adapted to provideaudio/visual signals to the audio/visual inputs of the master device,and the state of system is indicative of audio/visual signals of one ormore of the subset of the plurality of devices being selected for use bythe master device.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein themaster device transmits to the controlling device a message having dataindicative of the state of the system as determined by the master devicein response to an interaction with the master device to selectaudio/visual signals of one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices for use by the master device.
 4. The method as recited in claim3, wherein the transmission of the message having data indicative of thestate of the system as determined by the master device is delayed untilthe master device determines that the controlling device is in an activestate.
 5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the controllingdevice transmits to the master device a signal which signals to themaster device that the controlling device is in an active state.
 6. Themethod as recited in claim 5, wherein the controlling device transmitsto the master device the signal which signals to the master device thatthe controlling device is in an active state in response to thecontrolling device being moved.
 7. The method as recited in claim 5,wherein the controlling device transmits to the master device the signalwhich signals to the master device that the controlling device is in anactive state in response to an actuation of an input element of thecontrolling device.
 8. The method as recited in claim 2, comprisingcausing the master device to display on the display device informationindicative of a state of one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices adapted to provide audio/visual signals to the audio/visualinputs of the master device.
 9. The method as recited in claim 9,comprising causing the master device to display on the display device anindication that a selected one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices adapted to provide audio/visual signals to the audio/visualinputs of the master device needs to be powered on.
 10. The method asrecited in claim 1, comprising causing the master device to display onthe display device information indicative of a state of one or more ofthe plurality of appliances in communication with the master device. 11.The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the data indicative of thestate of the system as determined by the master device comprises dataused by the controlling device to assign command codes selected from alibrary of command codes to input elements of the controlling device.12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the data indicative ofthe state of the system as determined by the master device comprisesdata indicative of an input element of the controlling device, a one ofthe plurality of devices to be controlled, and a function of the one ofthe plurality of devices to be controlled in response to activation ofthe indicated input element of the controlling device.
 13. A system forproviding interactive appliance control, comprising: a master device; aplurality of devices in communication with the master device including adisplay device; and a controlling device configurable to transmitcommands to one or more of the plurality of devices; wherein the masterdevice has programming used to determine a state of the system, fortransmitting to the controlling device a message having data indicativeof the state of the system as determined by the master device, and forcausing a display on the display device of a representation of inputelements of the controlling device to thereby provide a visualindication of commands that will transmitted from the controlling devicein response to activations of input elements of the controlling deviceand wherein the controlling device has programming for using the dataindicative of the state of the system as determined by the master devicereceived in the message transmitted by the master device to configurethe controlling device to transmit commands directly to a select one ormore of the plurality of appliances in response to activations of inputelements of the controlling device.
 14. The system as recited in claim13, wherein the master device comprises an appliance having audio/visualinputs, at least a subset of the plurality of devices are adapted toprovide audio/visual signals to the audio/visual inputs of the masterdevice, and the state of system is indicative of audio/visual signals ofone or more of the subset of the plurality of devices being selected foruse by the master device.
 15. The system as recited in claim 14, whereinthe master device transmits to the controlling device a message havingdata indicative of the state of the system as determined by the masterdevice in response to an interaction with the master device to selectaudio/visual signals of one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices for use by the master device.
 16. The system as recited in claim15, wherein the transmission of the message having data indicative ofthe state of the system as determined by the master device is delayeduntil the master device determines that the controlling device is in anactive state.
 17. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein thecontrolling device has programming for transmitting to the master devicea signal which signals to the master device that the controlling deviceis in an active state.
 18. The system as recited in claim 17, whereinthe programming causes the controlling device to transmit to the masterdevice the signal in response to the controlling device being moved. 19.The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the programming causes thecontrolling device to transmit to the master device the signal inresponse to an actuation of an input element of the controlling device.20. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein the master device hasprogramming for causing a display on the display device of informationindicative of a state of one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices adapted to provide audio/visual signals to the audio/visualinputs of the master device.
 21. The system as recited in claim 20,wherein the information indicative of a state of one or more of thesubset of the plurality of devices adapted to provide audio/visualsignals to the audio/visual inputs of the master device comprises anindication that a selected one or more of the subset of the plurality ofdevices adapted to provide audio/visual signals to the audio/visualinputs of the master device needs to be powered on.
 22. The system asrecited in claim 13, wherein the master device has programming forcausing a display on the display device of information indicative of astate of one or more of the plurality of appliances in communicationwith the master device.
 23. The system as recited in claim 13, whereinthe data indicative of the state of the system as determined by themaster device comprises data used by the controlling device to assigncommand codes selected from a library of command codes to input elementsof the controlling device.
 24. The system as recited in claim 23,wherein the data indicative of the state of the system as determined bythe master device comprises data indicative of an input element of thecontrolling device, a one of the plurality of devices to be controlled,and a function of the one of the plurality of devices to be controlledin response to activation of the indicated input element of thecontrolling device.